Henniker, New Hampshire
Henniker is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. As of the 2020 census, the reported total population of the town was 6,185,[2] although the figure, 27.9% greater than the 2010 population, has been questioned by local officials.[3] Henniker is home to New England College and Pats Peak Ski Area. Henniker is a college town and resort area, featuring both skiing and white-water kayaking.
Henniker, New Hampshire
United States
1768
- Henniker
- West Henniker
- Kris Blomback, Chair
- Scott Osgood
- Bill Marko
- Neal B. Martin
- Jeff Morse
Diane Kendall
44.80 sq mi (116.04 km2)
44.12 sq mi (114.27 km2)
0.68 sq mi (1.77 km2) 1.52%
436 ft (133 m)
6,185
140/sq mi (54.1/km2)
33-35540
0873623
The main village of the town, where 3,166 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined as the Henniker census-designated place (CDP), and is located along the Contoocook River at the junction of New Hampshire Route 114 with Old Concord Road. The town also includes the village of West Henniker.
West Henniker millpond in 1914
Town Hall
Tucker Free Library
The area was first known as "Number Six" in a line of settlements running between the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers. In 1752, the Masonian Proprietors granted the land to Andrew Todd, who called it "Todd's Town".[4] Settled in 1761 by James Peter, it was dubbed "New Marlborough" by others from Marlboro, Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1768 by Governor John Wentworth, the town was named for Sir John Henniker, a London merchant of leather and fur, with shipping interests in Boston and Portsmouth.[5]
In the 19th century Henniker had a high rate of congenital deafness, and its own sign language, which may have played a significant role in the emergence of American Sign Language.[6]
Farmers found the town's surface relatively even, with fertile soil. Various mills operated by water power on the Contoocook River, including a woolen factory. By 1859, the population was 1,688.[5] But the mills in Henniker were closed in 1959 by the Hopkinton-Everett Lakes Flood Control Project.
The Edna Dean Proctor Bridge, a stone double-arch bridge spanning the Contoocook, was built in 1835. A building for Henniker Academy was constructed of split granite in 1836.
Beginning in the late 1800s, the river's scenic beauty attracted tourism.
The game of paintball originated in Henniker in 1981.[7]
Government[edit]
In the New Hampshire Senate, Henniker is in the 15th District, represented by Democrat Dan Feltes. On the New Hampshire Executive Council, Henniker is in the 2nd District, represented by Democrat Andru Volinsky. In the United States House of Representatives, Henniker is in New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Ann McLane Kuster.
Education[edit]
Henniker is part of New Hampshire School Administrative Unit #24,[12] which also includes Weare and Stoddard, New Hampshire. Kindergarten and primary school students attend Henniker Community School,[13] while secondary level students attend John Stark Regional High School in Weare. Henniker is also home to New England College, a four-year private liberal arts college. Henniker has a free library for residents, two community centers, and a Parent-Teacher Association.
Culture[edit]
Religion[edit]
Henniker has a Congregational church, a Roman Catholic church, a Quaker meeting house, and Community Christian Fellowship.
